The biggest earthquake ever recorded in Assam occurred on August 15, 1950, and is famously known as the 1950 Assam–Tibet Earthquake. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes not just in Assam but in the entire Indian subcontinent.
Key Facts:
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Date: August 15, 1950
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Magnitude: 8.6 on the Richter scale
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Epicenter: Near the Assam–Tibet border
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Depth: Shallow (about 15 km), making it extremely destructive
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Type: Megathrust earthquake, caused by tectonic plate collision
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Casualties: Estimated 1,500-3,000 deaths
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Impact: Severe damage in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Tibet; landslides, floods, and changes in river courses (especially the Brahmaputra River)
This earthquake is classified as a "Great Earthquake" and is considered one of the ten most severe earthquakes of the 20th century globally. Entire towns were destroyed, and massive landslides cut off communication and transportation in many parts of Northeast India.
Why It Matters:
Assam lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest-risk zone in India. The 1950 earthquake highlighted the region’s vulnerability to massive tectonic activity and led to increased awareness and research on earthquake-resistant construction in the area.
Did You Know?
The 1950 Assam earthquake is the strongest recorded earthquake in India’s modern history. Unlike many quakes, it was not followed by a tsunami due to its inland epicenter, but it caused enormous destruction through landslides and river blockages.
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